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A Day and Night at the Opera

November 2, 2010

Washington, DC

The NEA Opera Honors recognized its third class of honorees on Friday October 22 in Washington, DC. Soprano Martina Arroyo, general director David DiChiera, composer Philip Glass, and music director Eve Queler were acknowledged for their exceptional contributions to opera in America.

The day of festivities began with a lunch at the Supreme Court hosted by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, an avid opera fan. Other opera-loving justices in attendance were Antonin Scalia, Anthony Kennedy, and Elena Kagan.

Honoree Martina Arroyo and her friend and presenter at the evening's concert Paquito D'Rivera. Mr. D'Rivera is also an NEA Jazz Master.

The centerpiece of the day?s celebration was the award ceremony and concert at the Kennedy Center Opera House. Produced in cooperation with Washington National Opera and OPERA America, the concert?s program featured video tributes to each honoree and performances by guest singers accompanied by the Washington National Opera Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Philippe Auguin. The house was full, the audience, enthusiastic and the honorees were delighted, overwhelmed and . . . well, honored.

Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan and honoree Eve Queler with Ms. Queler's grandson, Josephe Ewan Farber. Josephe and Justice Kagan attended the same elemenary school and Josephe made a drawing for the justice in honor of their shared alma mater.

Philip Glass listened to Justice Ginsburg on a tour of Supreme Court chambers following the lunch.

And don't forget that October 29 to November 7, 2010 is National
Opera Week---so go see an opera this week!